Your inner critic isn't the whole story. It's one part, doing an old job.
IFS therapy for women with anxiety, trauma, and the exhaustion of trying to convince themselves everything is okay.
Definition: IFS Therapy stands for Internal Family Systems.
In Person in Austin, TX
Telehealth across Massachusetts
If any of this sounds familiar, you probably have parts of you that are trying to protect you.
You feel anxious or overwhelmed, even though the situation doesn't warrant a big reaction.
You feel emotions in your body: anxiety in your chest and shoulders, shame in your core, or sadness in your throat.
Your ways of coping are leaving you exhausted and full of resentment.
You've suppressed or ignored your emotions for so long it's difficult to express yourself.
You long for connection but feel it's difficult to fully be yourself around others.
It's more than mindfulness, and more than talk therapy. It's integrative.
What is IFS therapy?
IFS therapy is an approach that works with people through the lens of an inner system. Much like you are one part of your family unit, you have parts of you that hold different roles. Some parts may be protective parts, and help warn you when something feels off. Some parts may be survival parts, and help you get through incredibly tough times. Some parts may be wounded parts, and need care and connection to feel safe again.
IFS uses somatic techniques, mindfulness principles, and spiritual elements to help you connect to your authentic self, and build insight into your inner world.
If you're skeptical reading this, you are not alone. Beginning to view yourself as having "parts" can seem strange, but brings tremendous relief when you realize different parts of you are holding onto old roles that may no longer be needed.
"It makes so much sense" is the most common thing I hear clients say after an IFS session.
What are the benefits?
INSIGHT: If you've been fighting with a part of you that has felt anxious or sad "for no reason", IFS helps you gain understanding into why these emotions are coming up for you. And the answers might not be what you expect.
RELIEF: It's common to feel more expanded, calmer, lighter, and compassionate after an IFS session.
COMMUNICATION: IFS helps you bring language to your inner world, and can greatly benefit your relationships.
CLARITY: Once you build more connection to your parts, the more your parts will tell you what they need, and can help guide you to live an aligned life.
A compassionate practice, with a compassionate guide.
What is the process?
Free consult call
20 minutes, no pressure. We talk about what's bringing you in and whether IFS — and working with me — makes sense.
History & groundwork
A couple of sessions to understand your history and what parts bring you the most distress. We don't rush into the inner work before your're ready.
Mapping Parts
We begin to explore, identify, and name different parts of you that show up frequently. Feeling anxious in session? Great, let's start with the part of you that's nervous to get started.
Building Connection
We help you bring curiosity and compassion to your inner world so you can start to understand their intentions, and acknowledge why you feel this way.
Integration
As with any relationship, it takes time to build trust and connection. It's no different with the relationship to your parts. With patience and repetition, you learn to care for your parts, instead of ignoring them to the point of overwhelm or shutting down.
